Planning A Wedding: Budgeting For Flowers

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful endeavour. Wedding flowers can be particularly pricey, but there are ways to make your floral dreams a reality without breaking the bank. The first step is to establish a budget and decide what percentage of your total wedding budget you want to allocate to flowers. Then, you can start thinking about the types of flowers and arrangements you want, keeping in mind that certain flowers and designs will be more expensive than others. Finally, you can save money by repurposing flowers from the ceremony to the reception, choosing seasonal blooms, and mixing flowers with non-floral elements.

Research the cost of individual flowers and floral arrangements

The cost of wedding flowers varies depending on the types of flowers, the number of arrangements, and the seasonality of the blooms. It's important to research the cost of individual flowers and floral arrangements to create an accurate budget. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Consult a Florist: Speak to a professional wedding florist to get accurate price quotes and suggestions for cost-effective alternatives. A florist can guide you on the types of flowers available within your budget and provide valuable insights on how to maximise your floral budget.
• Compare Prices: Research the prices of individual flowers and floral arrangements from multiple sources. Compare prices from local florists, online vendors, and wedding flower packages to get an idea of the average cost per stem or arrangement.
• Consider the Type of Flowers: Different types of flowers come with varying price tags. Peonies, gardenias, and hydrangeas are among the most expensive flowers, while baby's breath, roses, daisies, and carnations are more budget-friendly options.
• Seasonality and Availability: The cost of flowers fluctuates depending on the season. Opting for in-season, locally sourced flowers can help reduce costs. Avoid planning your wedding around peak flower seasons like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, as wholesale flower prices tend to skyrocket during those periods.
• Size and Complexity: Larger and more intricate floral arrangements will generally cost more. Simple bouquets and centrepieces will be more budget-friendly than elaborate installations like arches or flower clouds.
• Labour and Delivery: Factor in the cost of labour and delivery when budgeting for flowers. The time and expertise required to create and transport the floral arrangements will impact the overall price.
• Venue Requirements: The size and location of your wedding venue will influence the number and size of floral arrangements needed. Consider how many tables, aisles, entrances, and other areas you want to adorn with flowers, as this will affect the cost.
• Prioritise and Allocate Funds: Decide which floral elements are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. You may choose to splurge on a statement floral installation while opting for simpler, more affordable arrangements in other areas.

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How to Make a Wedding Flower Budget

The first step in creating your floral budget is to browse real weddings and save pictures of the flowers that you like. Try to find patterns in what you like and save your favourites to your Zola account so you can share them at consultations with florists later.

Consider your wedding day details and what's realistic. Factors like your wedding location, date, style, and venue will impact both the flower options available and their associated costs.

Next, make a list of your desired floral decorations. Also, formulate a list of questions before you begin interviewing florists to set expectations early. You should be able to answer their questions about how many attendants you have and whether you want a floral ceremony backdrop.

Based on the kinds of florals you want, research the general prices for each item. Interview professional wedding florists to get actual price quotes and ensure your estimates are within the floral budget figure you have in mind.

Factors Affecting Floral Budgets

Couples typically allocate 8-10% of their total wedding budget to florals, but this number can vary. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much wedding flowers cost. The average cost is just a guide, and if you’re savvy, you can save. But you can also have more lavish florals if that’s what you envision for your big day.

Some flowers are more expensive than others. Individual blooms are priced per stem, while garlands are priced per linear foot. Your florist should be able to suggest a few “splurge” blooms to place in high-profile locations, like the bridal bouquet, and less expensive flowers to use in the majority of your other bouquets and decorations.

Styles of arrangements also vary in cost. Like individual flower types, certain arrangements can be more expensive. Arrangements that contain many expensive flowers, large arrangements, or arrangements that require extra labour and installation (such as hanging arrangements or floral arches) will all cost more than smaller, more modest arrangements in simple containers.

Tips to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

• Reuse your bridesmaid bouquets (and ceremony décor)
• Think outside the vase
• Choose a naturally beautiful venue
• Select single-bloom bridesmaid bouquets
• Reduce the size of your wedding (or wedding party)
• Choose in-season flowers

Compare the cost of flowers to your overall wedding budget

Wedding flowers are often a focal decoration and can be one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. They can also be very expensive, so it's important to compare the cost of flowers to your overall wedding budget.

Typically, couples allocate 8-10% of their total wedding budget to flowers. This means that for a $30,000 wedding, you would spend around $2,400-$3,000 on flowers. However, flower prices can vary widely depending on factors such as availability, seasonality, and the number and type of arrangements you choose.

When creating your wedding flower budget, it's important to consider the following:

• The size of your wedding party: The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen will impact the number of bouquets and boutonnieres you need.
• The type of flowers: Some flowers are more expensive than others. For example, peonies, gardenias, and hydrangeas tend to be pricier, while baby's breath, roses, daisies, and carnations are more budget-friendly.
• The style of arrangements: Larger arrangements or those requiring extra labour and installation, such as hanging centrepieces or floral arches, will cost more.
• Set-up and delivery fees: These fees can add to the overall cost of your flowers, so be sure to ask your florist about them.
• Your wedding location: The cost of flowers can vary depending on where you are getting married.

To save money on your wedding flowers, consider the following:

• Choose seasonal flowers: Flowers that are in season and sourced locally will be fresher and more affordable.
• Repurpose flowers: Reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception, such as moving altar arrangements to the dessert table or using bridesmaid bouquets as tabletop vases.
• Mix flowers with non-floral elements: Incorporate candles, greenery, or other decorative elements into your centrepieces to reduce the number of flowers needed.
• Focus on high-visibility areas: Prioritize spending on areas that will have the most impact, such as the bouquet, altar, and tablescapes.
• Downsize wedding party flower arrangements: Simplify the flower arrangements for the wedding party, such as opting for single-stem bouquets or greenery boutonnieres.

Consider the seasonality and availability of flowers

When planning your wedding flower budget, it's important to consider the seasonality and availability of flowers. This can have a significant impact on the overall cost and the final look of your floral arrangements.

Firstly, it's worth noting that the availability of certain flowers can vary depending on the time of year. While most flower varieties can be sourced at any time, it often requires a lot of pre-planning and comes with a hefty price tag. Working with what's in season ensures you're getting the flowers when they're at their absolute best. This means they'll be in full bloom, with large heads and strong stems, as opposed to smaller and weaker out-of-season flowers.

For example, peonies, lilacs, tulips, and garden roses are typically in season during the spring, while sunflowers, snapdragons, and orchids are in season during the summer. If you're planning a fall wedding, you might consider dahlias, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, and for a winter wedding, hellebores, anemones, and roses are great options as they bloom all year round.

Sourcing flowers that are in season and locally grown can help keep costs down. You can save on shipping costs and avoid the increased prices that come with importing out-of-season flowers. It's also beneficial to avoid major flower holidays like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, as wholesale flower costs tend to skyrocket around those times.

When creating your floral budget, be sure to keep the season and availability of your desired flowers in mind. This will help you make informed decisions and stay within your budget.

Repurpose flowers from the ceremony to the reception

Repurposing flowers from the ceremony to the reception is a great way to save money on your wedding flowers. Here are some tips to help you repurpose your ceremony flowers:

Plan Ahead

If you want to repurpose your ceremony flowers, it's important to plan ahead. Discuss your plans with your florist during the initial design consultation to ensure that your floral arrangements can be easily transported and reused. Consider the types of flowers you choose and how they will be arranged to ensure they can be repurposed effectively.

Choose the Right Flowers

When selecting your ceremony flowers, opt for flowers that are in season and locally sourced. This will help keep costs down and ensure that you have access to fresh, beautiful flowers. If you have your heart set on a particular type of flower that is out of season, consider mixing it with more affordable options or using it sparingly as an accent.

Repurpose Bouquets

The bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' bouquets are often filled with exquisite and delicate blooms. After the ceremony, place these bouquets in vases at the reception to give them a second life. The bridal bouquet can be displayed on the sweetheart table or head table, while the bridesmaids' bouquets can be used as centrepieces on guest tables or placed on bars, refreshment tables, or coffee tables in a lounge area.

Repurpose Ceremony Arrangements

Large ceremony arrangements, such as floral arches or aisle decorations, can be reused at the reception. For example, a floral arch can serve as a backdrop for the sweetheart table or a photo booth. Ceremony aisle flowers can be reused as chair decor or placed in bud vases as centrepieces. Just be mindful of the time and labour required to transport and rearrange these arrangements.

Get Creative with Display Options

When repurposing flowers, consider using moveable floor pieces, vases, or stands to display them at the reception. You can also mix and match flowers with other decorative elements such as candles, lanterns, or greenery to create a cohesive and unique look.

Frequently asked questions